Bangladesh, India should boost trade relations to reflect their rich common roots: Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who is on a 3-day visit to Bangladesh said Dhaka and New Delhi should boost trade relations to reflect their rich common roots. He was addressing a programme in Dhaka on Bangladesh-India trade relations last evening attended by top Ministers and business leaders. 

Mr jaitley said both countries have been extremely focussed on internal progress, and both governments have been closely interacting in recent years to realize the potential of a rich economic relationship. He said he sees great potential for growth in Bangladesh's agriculture, drugs, health, tourism, education, research and films, and joint investment in these sectors can contribute to the growth of both the economies.

The two countries will today sign



the third line of credit agreement involving 4.5 billion dollar to be spent for its infrastructure and social sector development. It was announced during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India this year.The bilateral trade is around 6 billion dollar with the trade balance heavily tilted in favour of India. In 2016-2017 Indian imports were only 600 million dollar. Bangladesh Commerce Minister asked the Indian Finance Minister to take steps to reduce the trade trade imbalance. 

Mr Jaitley is scheduled to address another gathering on 'Macroeconomic initiatives of the the Indian economy today before launching a scheme of cashless visa services of the Indian High Commission. He is also scheduled to meet the Prime Minister this evening.